Newport’s Historic Bayfront
Oregon is a state that you love if you are traveling with your dog. They practically welcome you with open arms, allowing dogs at the majority of their beaches, state parks and let’s not forget the breweries! We have visited Newport Oregon a few times and absolutely love it there, so much so, that if we ever moved from North Idaho, Newport is at the top of our list! From their beaches to their historic bayfront check out our favorite dog-friendly locations in Newport Oregon.
Devil’s Punchbowl
Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area
The main attraction of the area is definitely the punchbowl which can be easily seen after a short walk from the parking lot. High tide is when the punchbowl will be demonically churning at its best, living up to its name. There is a 1-mile trail leading down to the shoreline and tide pools on the north side of the punchbowl.
Be sure to check out the Flying Dutchman Winery while you are there, located near the Punchbowl overlook. I recommend the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2014 Riesling. Yum! There is also Mo’s West, a sister restaurant to Mo’s in Newport. They offer up seafood and cocktails not to be missed.
Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area is located at Otter Crest Loop off of Pacific Coast Highway 101.
Devil’s Churn
Devil’s Churn
A small sliver of rocky land is chiseled out of the shoreline here. As the sea water flows in, vigorously moving about, it crashes against the bluffs and shoreline, making it clear where the Devil’s Churn gets its name. This is another area you will want to visit during high tide as it will grant you larger crashing waves and favorable sea mist to cool you off on a hot day. There is paid parking here with a fairly small lot, so be prepared to wedge yourself into a spot. This parking fee will cover your visit to the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area as well.
Devil’s Churn is located at 2400 Pacific Coast Highway 101, Yachats Oregon
Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
Prior to my visit to Oregon I “googled” the best place to see the Oregon Coast shoreline. And like a proud pageant mom, Google sent me in the direction of Cape Perpetua. In addition to the overlooking view of the shoreline you will also find the Saint Perpetua Trailhead near the campground. There is a nice shaded spot here, good for picnicking, while taking in the view. This is about the only shade along the trail you will have if you arrive after morning, however. The 1.9-mile trail heads downhill about 715 feet, back to the lower part of the Overlook Road. There is a small parking lot at the bottom of the trail, which I recommend parking there and hiking up, so you can hike down on your return trip. The trail carries on to the visitor center, where there is additional parking.
There are lookout points along the trail where you can capture photos of the shoreline, as well as an overlooking view of Devil’s Churn. Leashed dogs are welcomed on the trail. If you do not feel like taking a hike, the dynamic views can be seen from the parking lot at the top of Overlook Road.
Cape Perpetua Scenic Area is located at 2400 Pacific Coast Highway 101, Yachats Oregon
Beachside State Recreation Site
Beachside State Recreation Site
The dogs and I spent the night camping at Beachside State Recreation Site. The sites were shaded and decent in size, which made for a nice visit. The ocean can be heard from the campground, although so can Highway 101. The beach is just steps away from the campground and this beach was our favorite beach out of all the beaches we visited during our stay in the Newport area. With a wide open space and beautiful white sand that is clean and free of ocean debris, makes for a fantastic place to play with your dogs.
Beachside State Recreation Site is located at 5960 SW Pacific Coast Highway Waldport Oregon
Newport’s Historic Bayfront
Newport’s Historic Bayfront
Although the Historic Bayfront is a bit of a tourist trap, you will want to make the trek down there. Parking will be a hassle, but the Bayfront is not that large, so there won’t be any long walks here. Restaurants are abound along with a large marina and several seafood processing plants.
Sea Lions basking in the sun
While you’re walking you’ll be able to hear the chatter from the sea lions. You’ll find a viewing area of the sea lions near the Mariner Square, where you can watch them basking in the sun. Be sure to also check out Bowwow Meow (456 SW Bay Blvd), a pet-friendly pet store with a wide array of bakery style treats, pet apparel and toys.
The Historic Bayfront is located at SW Bay Blvd
Seal Beach
Seal Rock State Recreation Site
We did not intend on stopping at Seal Rock, but the night before on our way to Beachside the sun was setting over Seal Rock and treated us to a magical site.
The next morning we returned to the beach and followed the trail from the parking lot to the beach. It was a bit of a hard entry onto the beach due to a rocky shoreline, but once over the rocks, we were able to move about the beach freely.
Most of the activity and people was located around the large “seal rock”. We walked further down the beach to find a space of our own. People were less friendly here about dogs being off leash, so it may be best to keep your pups on a leash, especially if your dogs are friendly and like to meet other dogs.
Seal Rock State Recreation Site is located at 10032 NW Pacific Coast Highway, Seal Rock Oregon
Yaquina Bay State Recreation
Yaquina Bay State Recreation
On our first visit to Newport a few years ago Boomer and I stopped by the Yaquina Bay State Recreation Area. We took a small trail down to the ocean and played on the rolling beach with a far as the eye could see view out into the ocean. There is also an adorable little lighthouse there, although it is not dog-friendly. After playing at the beach, Boomer took a quick nap while I toured the lighthouse.
The Yaquina Bay State Recreation Area is located at the north end of the Yaquina Bay Bridge.
Beverly Beach
Beverly Beach State Park
This seaside park is located near the town of Newport. Which a huge campground and access to the ocean you can not really go wrong. The dogs and I spent the day on the beach. We enjoyed playing on the white sand while the dogs rushed the waves and chased sticks. Although there were lots of people at this location it was easy to move away to our own space on the beach. And as long as you have your dogs under voice command, no one seems to bother you if they are off leash.
Beverly Beach State Park is located at 198 NE 123rd Street, Newport Oregon
Cobble Beach and Yaquina Head Lighthouse
Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area
The oblivious star of the show is the Yaquina Head Lighthouse, however, the tour of the lighthouse is not dog-friendly. But don’t let that deter you. There are several trails in the area as well as Cobble Beach that are dog-friendly. Cobble Beach is worth a visit all in itself. The beach will pique your curiosity as you stand on the beach hearing an unfamiliar sound. I won’t spoil it for you unless you want me to and then you can read our full report on Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area here.
Pets will need to be on a 6′ leash while they enjoy the trails and Cobble Beach. Also remember to keep pets out of the tide pool areas, to prevent injury to the animals that live in the tide pools.
Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area is located at 750 NW Lighthouse Drive, Newport Oregon. There is a fee required for entry into Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, good for 3 days.
Cook’s Chasm
Cook’s Chasm
The dogs and I took the short trail down to Cook’s Chasm and explored the volcanic bluffs that lined the shoreline. It was fun to explore the area, but the dogs had to stay on leash, mostly because Boomer probably would have walked right off the bluff without even noticing because he was intently sniffing to his heart’s content. If you hit this area at high tide you will be treated to a spouting horn, as the ocean water shoots out of a small hole found in the rocky shoreline.
If you are familiar with the area you are probably wondering why I did not mention Thor’s Well. Well to be perfectly honest with you, I could not find Thor’s Well. According to Google, I was standing RIGHT on top of it, but it was nowhere to be found, at least by us. Needless to say, signage was not in abundance here.
With the above ten dog-friendly locations we hope you enjoy your next visit to Newport Oregon. Have you been to Newport Oregon with your dog? Where is your favorite spot?
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